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Symptoms of Central Type Lung Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, the risk factors for developing lung cancer include smoking, being around second-hand smoke, radiation therapy to the chest or breast, and exposure to asbestos, radon, arsenic, air pollutants and other toxins. Since one of the main risk factors of central type lung cancer is smoking, stop smoking immediately to lower your chances of developing this type of cancer.

  1. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    • The National Cancer Institute says that non-small cell lung cancer describes three types of lung cancers: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma. The type that is commonly referred to as central type lung cancer is squamous cell cancer, which forms in the central lung near the large airways.

    Main Symptoms

    • Coughing is one symptom of this disease. UpToDate for Patients says that a person with symptoms of central lung cancer may have a change in a chronic cough, or they may develop a dry or phlegm-filled cough that won't go away. Bloody phlegm, shortness of breath and wheezing are also symptoms. Chest pain can be a symptom if the tumor is pushing on the walls of the chest. Voice hoarseness, headaches, and arm, neck and shoulder pain are also considered symptoms of NSCLC.

    Indirect Symptoms

    • Indirect symptoms occur when the cancer has spread or when it is producing substances that travel through the body and affect different areas. These symptoms include bone pain or breaks, jaundice, weight loss, muscle weakness, fever, loss of appetite, pain in the joints, thickening fingernails, anemia, blood clots and blood pressure changes.

    Similar Symptoms

    • These symptoms of central type lung cancer also are symptoms of other types of cancers and of other illnesses. For example, shortness of breath, wheezing and persistent coughing can also indicate pneumonia, bronchitis or emphysema.

    Other Considerations

    • Most people develop symptoms of lung cancer eventually but, as the National Cancer Institute points out, sometimes there are no symptoms. In these cases, lung cancer is often found during a routine chest x-ray. If you notice any symptoms of lung cancer, speak to your doctor immediately.

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